Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama
If you visit Tatsuno City in spring or the fall, Tatsuno Park (龍野公園) is the must-visit spot in the rural city. The beautiful cherry blossom spread from Tatsuno Castle to Tatsuno Park on the west. Following the road from the castle, you will arrive at the tea house completed in the Edo period, Shūentei (聚遠亭). […]
Tatsuno Park: Where You Can Enjoy Seasonal Colors and Tea Read More »
During your time at Kinosaki Onsen, how about a side trip to Genbudō Park (玄武洞公園), which has some amazing landscapes created by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago? Although the park is called Genbudō, which means Genbu Cave, it actually has five basalt caves, each named after one of the four Chinese mythological divine beasts.
Genbudō Park – The Best Basalt Park with NS Pole Reversed Read More »
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the
Izushi – A Castle Town that Retains the Past Eras’ Remnants Read More »
If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi Read More »
When speaking of Izushi, the town is probably most famous for its Izushi Soba (出石そば). With around 40 soba restaurants in the small town, there is no doubt that soba noodles are one of the town’s biggest selling points. Unlike elsewhere in Japan, where you are served with one bowl or plate of noodles, in
The Best Place to Enjoy Izushi Soba: Soba Honjin Tsuruya Read More »
North of Toyooka City, there is a beautiful coastline with crystal-clear seawater suitable for various beach activities. Having the Sea of Japan located on one side, it has been said that Takeno Kaigan (竹野海岸) is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan. With clean and highly transparent water, the beach is perfect
Takeno Beach – One of the Best Beaches in Japan Read More »
Akō (赤穂) is a rural city that isn’t too far away from the most elegant castle in Japan, Himeji Castle. While it is certainly not a top must-see destination in Japan, it does have its charm. In spring, it is the place that you want to be for its beautiful cherry blossom in the coastal
Akō City – The Salt, The Castle, And The Sunset Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
Umekōji Park (梅小路公園) was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in the Heian period. Another main reason for the park’s creation is to add green space in Kyoto’s city center so that locals can rest. Unlike other attractions in the city center, it isn’t crowded
Umekōji Park: The Hidden Gem in Kyoto for Seasonal Colors Read More »
Just a 5-minute walk from Hanshin’s Amagasaki Station (阪神尼崎駅), Amagasaki Castle Ruins Park (尼崎城址公園) is the most easily accessible spot in Amagasaki City for plum blossoms. While only 22 plums are planted, it is the perfect spot to take photos of the gorgeous flowers with the castle. In addition, you can transform yourself into the
Amagasaki Castle Ruins Park: Japan’s Funniest Castle Park Read More »
